The Makers’ Story
A Pioneer of Irish Artisan Cheese
Silke Cropp arrived in Ireland from Germany in 1985 with a vision of creating “the good life.” Settling in a derelict cottage on the border of Northern and Southern Ireland, she embarked on a journey that would revive traditional Irish cheesemaking and leave a lasting impact on Ireland’s food landscape.
From a Wild Goat to an Irish Cheese Legacy
🐐 Started with a semi-wild goat to provide milk for her three sons
🔥 Made her first cheese in her kitchen using a single old cheesemaking book
🧀 Initially shared her cheeses with family, friends, and neighbours
🇫🇷 A turning point came when French tourists at her B&B fell in love with her cheese and bought everything she had!
Alongside Veronica Steele, Silke became one of Ireland’s artisan cheese pioneers, helping grow the industry from just two cheesemakers to over 40 today.
The Making of Cavanbert
This exceptional Irish soft cheese is crafted with meticulous care and time-honoured techniques:
✅ Made from raw cow’s milk sourced from local Cavan dairy herds
✅ Handcrafted using traditional Camembert-style methods
✅ Matured for 3–4 weeks to develop a creamy, melting consistency
✅ Delicately ripened with a white, bloomy rind for its signature look and texture
✅ Hand-turned by Silke and Tom to ensure even ripening
Tasting Notes
🧀 Smooth, buttery texture
🌿 Subtle earthy notes with a delicate mushroom-like aroma
🥛 Creamy, melt-in-the-mouth consistency
✨ Mild yet complex flavour that lingers beautifully
A True Family Business
Today, Silke’s son, Tom, has joined the business, ensuring Corleggy Cheeses continues to thrive:
🐄 They craft all cheeses by hand using raw cow’s, goat’s, and sheep’s milk
🏆 Awarded World Cheese Award Super Gold for their Corleggy Goat’s Cheese
🌊 Experimenting with new creations, like goat’s and sheep’s cheeses infused with Donegal organic dulse seaweed
Perfect Pairings for Cavanbert from Indie Füde
Local Drinks & Cavanbert
🍸 Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin – Crisp and aromatic with bright botanical notes
🍏 Longmeadow Irish Cider from Armagh – A refreshing, lightly tart match for Cavanbert’s creamy richness
🍺 White Hag Irish Wit Beer – A light, citrusy pairing that complements its soft texture
Local Food & Cavanbert
🍫 Our Special Edition Chocolate & Hazelnut Creme – A sweet and nutty contrast to the beautifully creamy cheese. Just for Valentine’s weekend.
🥖 Sheridans Irish Mixed Seeded Crackers – The perfect crunchy base
🥃 Onion Marmalade by Indie Füde – A punchy, caramelised pairing
Serving Suggestions & Recipe Ideas
💡 The ultimate Irish cheeseboard – Pair Cavanbert with Irish blue and hard cheeses.
🔥 Baked Cavanbert – Bake whole in a small ceramic dish. Serve with warm Irish Sourdough.
🍏 Pair with caramelised Armagh apples – A match made in heaven.
🧀 Melt into a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich – Add Indie Füde’s Onion Marmalade for extra indulgence.
Cheese Hampers
Cavanbert is featured in our Irish Cheese Hampers – carefully curated selections that bring the best of Irish cheesemaking to your table.
Where to Buy Cavanbert
🛍 Visit our Indie Füde shops in Comber or Ormeau Road to taste and purchase Cavanbert.
📦 Order online through our cheese selection – with next-day delivery across Ireland and the UK.
✨ Discover the legacy of Irish cheesemaking through Cavanbert – a true taste of passion and tradition. ✨